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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Athens, GA (NOW HIRING)

C&C Consulting Services, LLC

PRN Staff

Dacula, GA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Responsible to:Residential Manager/Supervisor General Description of Duties and Responsibilities: FLSA-Hourly Support Staffare responsible formaintaininga safe ...

C&C Consulting Services, LLC

PRN Staff

Dacula, GA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Responsible to: Residential Manager/Supervisor General Description of Duties and Responsibilities: FLSA- Hourly Support Staff are responsible for maintaining a safe ...

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All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsDirect Support Professional Jobs in Athens, GA

Direct Support Professional information

See Athens, GA salary details

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Athens, GA is $15.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $16.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct support professional?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are caregivers who assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their daily lives. They help with personal care, medication management, meal preparation, and transportation, while also supporting clients in achieving personal goals and participating in community activities. DSPs play a vital role in promoting independence, dignity, and quality of life for those they support.

What are some common challenges direct support professionals face when supporting individuals with disabilities, and how can they effectively handle them?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) often encounter challenges such as managing behavioral outbursts, ensuring effective communication with nonverbal individuals, and balancing the need for independence with safety. Handling these situations requires patience, empathy, and strong problem-solving skills. Many DSPs find it helpful to use individualized behavior support plans, maintain clear communication with team members, and participate in ongoing training. Building trust and understanding the unique needs of each individual also play a key role in overcoming daily challenges.

What is the difference between Direct Support Professional vs Personal Care Assistant?

AspectDirect Support ProfessionalPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes specialized trainingCPR, First Aid often required
Work EnvironmentAssisting individuals with disabilities in community or residential settingsProviding personal care in private homes or facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, healthcare providersHome care agencies, private clients

Both roles involve assisting individuals with daily activities, often requiring similar certifications like CPR and First Aid. However, Direct Support Professionals typically work in community or residential settings supporting people with disabilities, while Personal Care Assistants mainly provide personal care services in private homes. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the role that best matches their skills and career goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct support professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct Support Professional, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic caregiving knowledge, and an understanding of developmental disabilities. Familiarity with documentation systems, incident reporting tools, and sometimes CPR/First Aid certification is typically required. Patience, strong interpersonal skills, and empathy are crucial soft skills for effectively supporting individuals and building trust. These skills are vital for ensuring client safety, promoting independence, and delivering compassionate care tailored to each individual's needs.

Where do direct support professionals get paid the most?

Direct Support Professionals tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare and social services, such as certain metropolitan areas. States or cities with a strong focus on healthcare, social services, or specialized care often offer higher pay rates for this role. Factors like experience, certifications, and the specific employer also influence salary levels.
More about Direct Support Professional jobs

What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Athens, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Athens, GA are:

What cities near Athens, GA are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Athens, GA with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Athens, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,705 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Direct Support Professional - Student Position

GEORGIA OPTIONS

Athens, GA • On-site

$11/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

With notice at the beginning of the semester, we will work with students to have off for school breaks, and for exams. We will accommodate changing schedules due to changing school schedules.
I.PURPOSE OF THE JOB: To support theperson to live her best life.
II. GENERAL DIRECT SUPPORT FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Provide individualized support to the person to pursue his/her best health
  • Support with personal care tasks, including bathing, bathrooming, dental care
  • Support with medications
  • Support with medical coordination
  • Seek to understand the personâ€'s non-verbal communication

2. Encourage and assist the person to have her richest experiences
  • Develop and attend opportunities for inclusion
  • Develop and cultivate natural supports for the person
  • Learn and respond to the personâ€'s communication style
  • Provide support to overcome barriers to the personâ€'s community inclusion.
  • Work closely with the personâ€'s family advocates.
  • Drive the person to his/her favorite places and support him/her to participate in activities.

3. Pursue and maintain the personâ€'s existence in his/her chosen environment
  • Support duringwork or volunteer activities
  • Support to havea peaceful household
  • Developand maintain a personal and household budget
  • Maintainadaptive equipment

4. Assist theperson to prepare for the future
  • Follow theconcept and principles of Supported Decision-Making

5. Encourage and assist the person to be a self-advocate by:
  • Respect the personâ€'s choices and preferences
  • Provide support to the person to exercise his/her rights and provide advocacy when needed.
  • Assist the person to participate in self-advocacy activities as desired.
  • Encourage the person to communicate about his/her needs and preferences and communicate grievances

6. Cultivate the person's best fit team by:
  • Provide a positive image of Georgia Options to the community and assist with recruiting new Direct Support Professionals from the personâ€'s community
  • Train new Direct Support Professionals

III. COMPETENTLY PERFORM THE FOLLOWINGTASKS
1. Documentservices provided
2. Maintaincertifications
3. Bathroom routinefor best health especially during night
IV. PROACTIVELY AND REACTIVELY ACQUIREAND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING SKILLS
1. Communicateeffectively, both verbally and non-verbally, with the people we support,families, other staff and the general public.
2. Provide choice.
V. EXPECTED OUTCOMES
For the person:
  1. The person is healthy, safe and satisfied.
  2. The person is included in her community.
  3. The person has strong natural supports.
  4. The person has quality documentation that reflects the services provided and secures their fundi

This role pays $11/hr starting pay
**all roles are eligible for raise after 6 months and upon satisfactory performance**
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